Nominations sought for Spirit of Freedom 2012

Friday

Do you know someone who exemplifies the spirit of freedom? Who gives back to the community and inspires others?

Who would you like to see as the recipient of The Star's 2012 Spirit of Freedom Award?

Email Online Editor Graham Cawthon at gcawthon@shelbystar.com or write a letter to "Spirit of Freedom" c/o Graham Cawthon, The Star, PO Box 48, Shelby, NC 28150. Include who you would like to nominate, their contact information, and what impact they have had on the community that makes them worthy of the award.

The winner will receive a front page story in the Sunday, Nov. 25 edition of The Star.

ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM AWARD The Spirit of Freedom Award honors people who cherish freedom, believe in sharing, look for independent ways to solve problems, learn new things and try to do what is right, both personally and professionally. The honoree receives a special plaque and a story focusing on his or her accomplishments. “We mostly focus on the ‘freedom’ part of The Star’s Spirit of Freedom Award, and with good reason,” said Star Publisher Skip Foster. “Freedom is the ultimate human right — every other inherent right is derived from liberty. But we shouldn’t forget the ‘spirit’ part. Freedom isn’t an antiseptic, sterile concept. It’s living and breathing. When the exercise of freedom becomes a spiritual endeavor, that’s when the power of human potential is truly unleashed.”

PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS 1998 — Businessman Robin Hendrick, who inspired the $7 million campaign for the Dover Foundation YMCA 1999 — HOPE founder and North Shelby School parent Rhonda Cooper, who organized efforts to get a special playground for children with severe disabilities 2000 — Literacy advocate and teacher George Hatch 2001 — Jessica Putnam, Crest High School student who honors her teacher grandmother’s memory with unique fundraising and awards for scholars and teachers 2002 — Eddie Holbrook and Jim Horn, for melding leaders and volunteers from many sports and all walks of life into a cohesive team, drawing a highly successful American Legion baseball tournament to the county 2003 — Cleveland Regional Medical Center CEO John Young, “Close the Gap” leader Larry Corry and Dr. Frank Campbell, interim president of Gardner-Webb University, honored as champions of cooperation and collaboration 2004 — Surgeon Dr. Michael Barringer, whose sacrifice, caring and skill have saved hundreds of children in Haiti and in Cleveland County 2005 — Marta Holden, founder of CommUnity and champion of young people who need good role models 2006 — 505th National Guard Engineering Battalion members, who served more than a year in Iraq 2007 — Dr. John Boggs, a unifying, roll-up-his-sleeves pastor who moves people to action in their communities

2008 — Bob and Mae Hunt, a couple who gives of their time to help anyone in need.